Merrill Lynch Throws in Towel, Shuts First Franklin, NationPoint

Merrill Lynch finally came forward today and formally announced that it was halting all loan origination via its First Franklin and Lake Forest, CA-based NationPoint operations effective immediately.

According to the press release, the company based the decision on the deterioration of the subprime lending market.

“Since July, we have reduced staffing at First Franklin by nearly 70 percent, but after evaluating a number of strategies, we believe it is appropriate to discontinue mortgage origination,” said David Sobotka, head of Fixed Income, Currencies & Commodities at Merrill Lynch.

Merrill said about 650 employees would be affected by the decision, and that estimated charges related to the move will cost approximately $60 million, half of which will be recorded in the first quarter.

Here’s an excerpt from the company’s website, which is now just a one page exit message:

Thank you for considering us as a source for your mortgage originations.? We realize that our 26 years of success and accomplishments would not have been possible without the people and businesses in the mortgage industry.”

It is assumed that the mortgage lender will continue to process locked loans and possibly loans in progress, although that is uncertain at the moment.

The company also said it plans to sell its loan servicing unit, Home Loan Services, and will solicit bids in coming weeks.